The Herzfeld Foundation

The Herzfeld Foundation makes grants in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, and Civic Improvements

It was the wish of Richard and Ethel Herzfeld that, upon their deaths, their assets would be added to their Foundation dedicated to Wisconsin but with emphasis on the greater Milwaukee area.

Since Ethel's death in 1997, the Foundation translated that wish into an investment of many millions of dollars in the community with more to come in the future.

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Ethel Herzfeld sitting on a boat on the beach

What's New

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February 02, 2026 | HERZFELD FOUNDATION STAFF

Applications for New Arts and Culture Grants for 2026 Now Available

The Herzfeld Foundation has announced an open season lasting until April 10 for grant applications to support small arts and culture groups, new arts and culture programs or projects, arts education, and arts awareness.

December 23, 2025 | Rob Henken

Magazine Article Aptly Frames The Arts Funding Challenge

A December article in Milwaukee Magazine provides a new and timely assessment of the challenges facing Milwaukee’s nonprofit arts and culture sector and the philanthropists who support it.

November 14, 2025 | Rob Henken

Herzfeld Directors See High-Quality ECE in Action

Following up on the Herzfeld Foundation’s first-ever open solicitation for grant applications from Milwaukee early childhood education (ECE) providers, three members of the Board of Directors recently paid a visit to one of the city’s most impressive early learning centers.

What We Support

Our focus is Arts & Culture, Education, and Civic Improvements with an emphasis on enhancing the quality of life in the city of Milwaukee and expanding social, economic, and educational opportunities for city residents.

Arts & Culture

We consider grants for organizations and programs (big and small) that enhance access to arts and culture and promote artistic and cultural knowledge for all Milwaukee residents.

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Education

We consider grants for organizations and initiatives that promote educational quality in Milwaukee with a specific emphasis on high-quality early childhood education.

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Civic Improvements

By invitation only, we consider grants for organizations and initiatives that seek to enhance Milwaukee’s quality of life and tackle important societal or policy challenges in the city.

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The Herzfeld Foundation values collaboration among nonprofit organizations and is always open to supporting service sharing initiatives and other partnerships proposed by grantees to address business model challenges and create financial efficiencies.

The Herzfeld Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations that are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

How To Apply

Photo Credits: UWM Libraries Digital Collection of Richard and Ethel Herzfeld | Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Photos by Front Room Studios, Lindsay Stayton Photography, & Michaela Beal | Milwaukee Ballet Photos by Rachel Malehorn, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Photos by Jonathan Kirn & Valerie Hill | Renaissance Theaterworks Photos by Ross Zentner

hello@herzfeldfoundation.org

219 N Milwaukee St | 7th Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53202

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